Power adapter configured to apply power to a device

ABSTRACT

A power adapter configured to apply power to a device is disclosed. The power adapter comprises a switching module having a recess comprising a first set of contacts for receiving control signals, wherein the switching module comprises a switch for selectively applying power to a device based upon the control signals; and a control module removably coupled to the switching module and having a second set of contacts coupled to the first set of contacts of the switching module when the control module is attached to the switching module; wherein the switching module comprises a user interface element.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicant claims priority to provisional application U.S. Ser. No.62/480,389, filed on Apr. 1, 2017, and co-pending U.S. Ser. No.15/645,761 filed on Jul. 10, 2017, the entire applications of which areincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention relates generally to poweradapters, and in particular, to a power adapter configured to applypower to a device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Power adapters, which control the application of power to a device, arean important part of any residential or commercial building, and canprovide beneficial control of a load attached to the power adapter, suchas timing control and other features such as dimming. As power adapterscontinue to advance, additional functionality may be available to auser. However, replacing a power adapter can come with significantexpense. In addition to the cost of replacing the power adapter, it maybe necessary to pay for the professional installation of the poweradapter, such as in the case of an in-wall installed power adapter thatis coupled to wires in a wall of a residential or commercial building.

Accordingly, circuits, devices, systems and methods that enable a userto implement different power adapters are beneficial.

SUMMARY

A power adapter configured to apply power to a device is disclosed. Thepower adapter comprises a switching module having a recess comprising afirst set of contacts for receiving control signals, wherein theswitching module comprises a switch for selectively applying power to adevice based upon the control signals; and a control module removablycoupled to the switching module and having a second set of contactscoupled to the first set of contacts of the switching module when thecontrol module is attached to the switching module; wherein theswitching module comprises a user interface element.

Another power adapter configured to apply power to a device comprises aswitching module having a recess comprising a first set of contacts forreceiving control signals, wherein the switching module comprises aswitch for selectively applying power to a device based upon the controlsignals; and a control module removably coupled to the switching moduleand having a second set of contacts coupled to the first set of contactsof the switching module when the control module is attached to theswitching module; wherein the switching module comprises a userinterface element; and wherein the control module comprises a wirelesscommunication circuit and provides the control signals to the switchingmodule to enable a switching operation of the power adapter.

A method of implementing a power adapter configured to apply power to adevice is also described. The method comprises removably coupling acontrol module to a switching module, wherein the control module has afirst set of electrical contacts and the switching module has a secondset of electrical contacts; generating, by way of the first set ofelectrical contacts of the control module, control signals; receivingthe control signals at the switching module by way of the second set ofelectrical contacts; selectively applying power to a device based uponthe control signals received by way of the second set of electricalcontacts; and receiving control signals from a user interface element ofthe switching module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a modular power adapter;

FIG. 2 is another block diagram of a modular power adapter;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless communication module of themodular power adapter of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an expanded view of elements of an in-wallmodular power adapter that is adapted to be installed in a junction boxand to receive a wall plate;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of another in-wall modular power adapter;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another in-wall modular power adapterhaving a metal plate comprising flanges for attaching the in-wallmodular power adapter to a junction box;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary attachment element enablingthe attachment of a control module to a portion of the switching module;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the rear of a control module;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the front of a control module having apaddle-type toggle switch;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the front of a control module having apush-button toggle switch;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the front of a control module having apush-button toggle switch and a sensor;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the front of a control module having apush-button toggle switch and a display;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the front of a control module having aplurality of pre-programmed or programmable buttons;

FIG. 14 is an expanded view of a modular power adapter having a displayon a switching module;

FIG. 15 is an expanded view of a plug-in type modular power adapterhaving a cover for a control module;

FIG. 16 is an expanded view of a plug-in type modular power adapterhaving a control module attached to a switching module;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a junction box having a switching moduleadapted to interface with a control module of a wall plate;

FIG. 18 is a front plan view of a wall plate having a control module;

FIG. 19 is a rear plan view of the wall plate of FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 20 is a rear plan view of a wall plate having two openings and twocontrol modules;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a system having a plurality of poweradapters implementing different communication protocols.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a method of implementing a modular poweradapter;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing a method of controlling power adaptersusing a plurality of different communication interfaces;

FIG. 24 is a map showing the division of the geographical area of themap into a plurality of regions;

FIG. 25 is a table showing the definition of the plurality of regionsand associated tables with the regions; and

FIG. 26 is an example of a table that could be implemented as any one ofthe tables of FIG. 25 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The circuits, systems and methods set forth below and shown in thefigures relate to power adapters, which may include “in-wall” adaptersthat are hard wired to electrical wires in a wall (such as to wires in ajunction box for example) or plug-in adapters having prongs of a plugthat are inserted into an electrical outlet. The circuits and methodsprovide a modular power adapter (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , whereelements within or on another side of a device are shown in dashedlines), and split the functionality between a first portion, which couldbe a switching portion or module for enabling the switching of power toa device controlled by the modular power adapter and may be wired into ajunction box, and a second portion, which may be a control portion ormodule that controls the switching of power received by a switchingportion and applied to a device receiving power from the power adapter(such as a porch light controlled by a power adapter hard wired into ajunction box or a lamp plugged into a plug-in adapter for example, wherethe porch light and the lamp are commonly known as a load). The poweradapter may be implemented such that the first portion has switchingelements that control the application of power to a load while thesecond portion provides signals to the first portion to control theswitching elements. The second portion may be removably coupled to thefirst portion by way of attachment elements, where the second portionmay provide electrical signals to the first portion by way of contactelements of the second portion, such as pogo pins or other flexiblecontacts or rigid contacts, coupled to corresponding contact elements ofthe first portion, such as contact pads. Alternatively, the contactelements could be placed on the first portion and the contact pads couldbe placed on the second element. However, it should be understood thatany type of contact arrangement for providing electrical signals fromthe second portion to the first portion could be implemented. Inaddition to contact elements, guide or alignment elements could be usedon the switching module or the control module to align the modules.

The modular power adapter is implemented to enable any one of aplurality of control modules (shown for example in FIGS. 3-8 ) to becoupled to the switching module, and control the switching operation ofthe switching module. By way of example, and without limitation, thecontrol module could be a toggle switch (such as a paddle-type toggleswitch as shown in FIG. 4 ) with a dimming function. The control modulecould optionally include a wireless module for enabling wireless controlby way of any short range wireless connection, such as a circuit forimplementing any variation of a Bluetooth protocol or a Near FieldCommunication (NFC) protocol, or any local wireless network, such as aWiFi network or a wide area network, such as a cellular network. Itshould be understood that the wireless module could be a removablemodule coupled to the switching module or the control module, enablingchanging a wireless communication protocol used by the modular poweradapter. According to another implementation, the control modulecomprises a motion detector having an on/off button. A furtherimplementation may comprise a simple on/off switch, which may comprise astatus LED light to indicate the state of the load that is under controlof the switch, such as a porch light that may not be visible, and anoptional wireless control circuit and/or an optional display. Accordingto further implementations, any of the control portions may comprise atimer, which may have pre-programmed buttons or programmable buttons. Abackup battery to maintain any timing patterns, such as schedules forapplying power to a device, may be implemented on one or more of theswitching portion or the control portion. The timing patterns include atleast one on and off time, and may be associated with a certain day ordate or group of days or dates. According to one implementation, adisplay would be implemented as a part of the switching module, whereother interface elements could be a part of a control module or splitbetween the switching module and the control module. According toanother implementation, the display could be a part of the controlmodule.

The control module could be attached to the switching module using anysuitable attachment elements. For example, the bottom of the controlmodule could include a flange that could be inserted into a flangereceiving portion of the switching module in a “ski-boot” fashion, whereattachment element on one or more of the top or sides of the controlmodule may be used to secure the control module to the switching module.The attachment element could be any type of latching element or threadedelement that could receive a screw to secure the control module to theswitching module. The attachment element could also include a flange,snap, strap, magnet, Velcro portion, or any other means for securing thecontrol module to the switching module.

The control module may have a flange extending from the sides around theperimeter or at least a portion of the perimeter to enable a userinterface portion, which may include the display and any controlactuators or elements, to extend through a recess in a wall plate. Forexample, many conventional switch devices have a user interface portionof approximately 3.2 centimeters (cm) by 6.6 cm that extends through arecess or opening in the wall plate that is secured to the switch deviceand covers the junction box. The perimeter of the opening in the wallplate may abut the flange of the control module to help secure thecontrol module to the switching module. That is, the user interfaceportion of the control module beyond the flange could extend through theopening of the wall plate. Alternatively, the control module couldextend into a recess of the switching module, where the perimeter of theopening of the wall plate would align with a flange or outer surface ofa recessed portion of the switching module. According to otherimplementations, the control module could be removed while the wallplate is secured to the switching device. In either case, the modularnature of the modular power adapter may not be evident to a user. For amodular power adapter that is a plug-in device, the control module could(i) function as a cover for the switching module, (ii) could includeopenings to expose portions of the control module under the cover, or(iii) could be included under a cover generally having no otherfunctionality.

A front surface of the power adapter, such as a surface of the recess ofthe switching module in an implementation having a recess, would includecontact elements that would be coupled to corresponding contacts on thecontrol portion to enable the control of a device using control signalscoupled from the control device to the power adapter. While a physicalelectrical connection is shown by way of example, it should also beunderstood that communication of control signals or other signals couldbe achieved by another means, such as a wireless connection establishedbetween corresponding wireless communication circuits in the switchingportion and the control portion. That is, in addition to any wirelessconnection between the control module and a wireless communicationdevice, such as a smart phone or tablet computer for example, there maybe a wireless connection, such as a Near Field Communication (NFC)connection, between the control module and the switching module.Further, it should be noted that the control module could be configuredto provide multi-mode communication with communication devices externalto the control module, such as multiple modules including both a WiFimodule and a Bluetooth module for example. That is, a user could providecontrol signals from a communication device such as a smart phone ortablet computer using either a WiFi connection or a Bluetoothconnection. The control module and/or the switching module could includea connector for receiving a portable memory device, such as a USB thumbdrive, to download data, including timing patterns, operationalinformation (e.g. at least one of time, data or location), firmwareupdates, or any other data which may enable the operation of the modularpower adapter.

According to another implementation, the control module could beincorporated as a part of the wall plate as shown for example in FIGS.11-14 , enabling the implementation of a single switch module, wheredifferent control modules can provide different functionality. Thesingle switch module could a simple toggle switch (or a paddle-typeswitch that fills the approximately 3.2 cm by 6.6 cm opening of the wallplate), where different control modules would interface (directly orwirelessly) with the switch module. For example, contacts on the controlmodule (on the wall plate) could align with contracts on the switchmodule adjacent to the switch portion. The different control modulescould provide different functionality, such as dimmer functionality ortimer functionality. Some control modules could provide multiplefunctionality. The control module could be an integral part (i.e. notremovable) of the wall switch plate, where a user would replace anentire wall plate to obtain the functionality of a different controlmodule. Alternatively, the control module could be removably attached tothe wall plate, where the user could remove one control module andreplace it with another control module. According to anotherimplementation, the wall plate could be configured to receive multiplecontrol modules. For example, a control module could be placed on eitherside of the opening of the wall plate, where a second set of contactelements would be placed on the opposite side of the switch module ofthe first set of contact elements.

One benefit of the implementation of wall plates with control portionsis that a single type of switch module could be implemented, and wouldbe functional, without a control module. That is, if the basic switchmodule were implemented, and a conventional wall plate with no controlmodule were used, a user could still use the basic switch module, whichmay only have on/off functionality. While the contact elements would notbe used, a user could later add functionality of the basic switch moduleby using a wall plate that has a control module. Such an arrangementcould also work with an outlet, where timing or dimmer functionalitycould be provided for one or more of the receptacles of the outlet.Control modules could also be implemented in wall plates having morethan one opening, where different control modules can be implemented forswitching modules associated with different openings of the wall plate.

In order to prevent any unauthorized use of a power adapter, such as awireless power adapter, or to prevent the use of unauthorized controlmodules which may not operate safely with the switching module, one ormore security features may be employed that would require that thecontrol module and the switching module be paired. For example, it maybe necessary to authenticate the control module by provide a securitycode from the control module to the switching module to ensure that thecontrol module is authorized to operate with the switching module. Forexample, the security code could include a unique serial number and maybe encrypted. The security code may also include a field that indicatesthe type of control module and provides information related to thefunctionality of the control module. A user may also be required toperform a certain operation when replacing the control module, such asimplementing a reset procedure using reset buttons on one or both of thecontrol module and the switching module. During a reset procedure, datamay be downloaded from the control module to the switching module orvice versa to enable the switching module to function with the controlmodule. The data may be operational data (i.e. data associated withfeatures controlled by the switching module), or security oridentification data (i.e. data indicating the identity of the controlmodule or authorizing the use of the control module).

According to another implementation, a single controller can providemultimodal control of different control devices and different sets ofcontrol devices, such as the modular power adapters as described aboveor other timers or lighting control devices. The single controller couldbe for example a smart phone, a tablet computer or any other computer ordevice enabling a wireless connection to multiple control modules by wayof different wireless protocols. For example, the controller couldcommunicate with a first set of control devices by way of a firstwireless connection and a second set of control devices by way of asecond set of connections. The controller could communicate with anynumber of groups of devices on corresponding sets of communicationprotocols.

By way of example, a first set of devices could communicate with acontrol device by way of a Bluetooth connection, where the devices couldbe implemented in a Bluetooth mesh network. The devices of a first setcould be implemented in different locations, such as an indoor device,an outdoor device, a device controlling a specific device, such as awater heater or an under-cabinet lighting fixture. A second set ofdevices could include devices that are controlled by the controllerusing another local area network, such as a WiFi network. The second setof appliances controlled by the devices could include the types ofdevices that a user may desire to access from a remote location, such asa curling iron, a coffee machine, a particular lamp or awireless-controlled door lock. That is, these devices may be devicesthat a user may wish to check to make sure that they have been turnedoff, or the types of devices that a user may wish to turn on while theyare away. A third set of devices could be other specialty devices suchas pool controls or specialty lighting. These devices could becontrolled by an appropriate wireless connection. The controller couldalso control devices by way of a proprietary network, such as connectionusing a Z-Wave or a ZigBee controller. That is, the system could beintegrated with an existing system employed by the user, such as aZ-Wave or ZigBee system for example.

One beneficial aspect of the system is that a single controller cancontrol a plurality of devices using a plurality of differentconnections implementing different wireless communication protocols. Byimplementing a variety of different communication protocols, it ispossible to implement the different devices with the most suitablecommunication protocol from a single controller. For example, while aWiFi enables remote access, it may also be more susceptible to hackingor other security issues. However, a Bluetooth connection, because ofits short-range nature, may have fewer hacking or security issues, butis generally not remotely accessible.

While the specification includes claims defining the features of one ormore implementations of the invention that are regarded as novel, it isbelieved that the circuits and methods will be better understood from aconsideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. Whilevarious circuits and methods are disclosed, it is to be understood thatthe circuits and methods are merely exemplary of the inventivearrangements, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed within thisspecification are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as abasis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements invirtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms andphrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather toprovide an understandable description of the circuits and methods.

Turning first to FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a modular power adapter isshown. In particular, a modular power adapter 100 comprises a switchingmodule 102 for controlling the application of power to a load (such as alight, appliance, or other device receiving power by way of an outlet,also known as a receptacle, or other contact elements applying power ofthe switching module) and a control module 104 that is in communicationwith the switching module. The switching module 102 is coupled toreceive a power input signal, which may be power from an outlet to whichthe modular power adapter is plugged in or power from wiring in aresidential or commercial building in which the modular power adapter isimplemented for example. The output power is provided to an output suchas an outlet into which a plug of an appliance or other device can beplugged or wires that are coupled to a device such as a light fixturefor example. A light, appliance or other device receiving output powerfrom the output is commonly called a load. The control module 104 mayreceive one or more of user interface input signals and wirelesssignals, as will be described in more detail below. While the modularpower adapter 100 is shown as having two modules, it should beunderstood that the modular power adapter could contain more modules,where one of the switching module and the control module could bedivided in sub-modules. For example, the control module could include acontrol portion and a wireless communication portion. That is, thecontrol portion may include user interface elements, such as buttons ora display, and may be adapted to receive an optional wirelesscommunication module.

Turning now to FIG. 2 , another block diagram of a modular power adapteris shown. The block diagram of FIG. 2 shows elements of a modular poweradapter, such as the modular power adapter of FIG. 1 for example. Asshown in FIG. 2 , a control circuit 202 is coupled to various elementsof the switching module 102 to enable communication with the controlmodule 104 and control the operation of the switching module. Atransformer 204 is coupled to an input port 206 to receive an inputvoltage that enables providing power to a load by way of an output ofthe switching module. The input port could be for example wires orconnector screws that are wired into a junction box or could be prongsof a plug adapted to be inserted into electrical outlet in a wall of aresidential or commercial building. The transformer 204 provides powerto the control circuit 202 by way of a power line 207. The controlcircuit also receives a ground potential at a ground terminal 208, whichmay be a ground wire or a ground prong of a plug of the switching modulefor example. The control circuit 202 may also receive power by way of abackup battery 209 to retain any information such as operationalinformation or timing patterns. A different source of backup power couldbe implemented, such as a capacitor for example.

An input portion 210 may be implemented to enable the input ofinformation or the selection of timing patterns (in an implementationhaving user interface elements on the switching module such as theimplementation of FIG. 14 for example), and may include a control buttonor pairing button for enabling the pairing of the switching module andthe control module as will be described in more detail in reference toFIG. 4 . A memory 212 is coupled to the control circuit and may storeoperational information and timing patterns. An oscillator 213 may becoupled to the control circuit to enable the control circuit to maintaina current time. A switch 220 is coupled to receive power from thetransformer by way of a power line 222 and provide power to an output223 in response to control signals associated with a timing pattern on aline 224 from the control circuit. The output 223 may be an outlet thatreceives a plug for the device controlled by the modular power adapter(or wires or screws that can be coupled to wires) in the case of anin-wall power adaptor.

A wireless communication circuit 226 could be used to receive variousinformation, such as operational information, programming data, orfirmware updates from the control module 104 or some other source, aswill be described in more detail below. It should be noted that theinput portion of the modular power adapter may also include theconnector for receiving the portable memory device such as a USB thumbdrive or an SD memory to download any type of data, such as operationalinformation, programming data, or firmware as will be described in moredetail below.

The switching module 102 and the control module 104 may communicate byway of a communication port 227, which may be a connector or a pluralityof contact elements, as will be described in more detail in reference toFIG. 4 . The communication port 227 enables a communication link 228with a communication port 229, which may also be a connector or aplurality of contact elements. The communication link may comprisecontact elements of the communication ports 227 and 229 to enable thetransfer of communication signals between the communication ports. Thecommunication link may also provide power to power elements of thecontrol module. According to some implementations, the communicationlink 228 may be a wireless communication link, where the communicationports comprise wireless communication circuits.

The control module 104 comprises a control circuit 232, which may be anytype of processing circuit for (i) receiving inputs, such as by way ofan input portion 234, and (ii) controlling the operation of the controlmodule 104. The input portion could be implemented as shown anddescribed in reference to FIGS. 9-13 for example. A battery 236 or someother source of energy such as a capacitor may be used to power thecontrol module 104 or function as a backup power source if the controlmodule 104 receives power by way of the communication port 229, ratherthan by way of a power source internal to the control module 104. Awireless communication circuit 248, which may be a wireless receiver orboth a wireless transmitter and receiver (i.e. a wireless transceiver),comprises an antenna 250. Data received by the wireless communicationcircuit 248 may be provided to the control circuit 232, or datagenerated by the control circuit 232 may be transmitted by the wirelesscommunication circuit 248. Data, such as a timing pattern or operationalinformation entered by the input portion or received by way of thewireless communication circuit 248, may be stored in a memory 242. Thewireless communication circuit 248 may be any type of receiver forreceiving wireless communication signals, such as GPS receiver, acellular receiver, a radio frequency (RF) receiver, or any type ofreceiver adapted to receive operational information, programming data orany other type of information such as software updates. The operationalinformation may be provided to the control circuit to enable theoperation of the control circuit and the implementation of the timingpatterns on the remote switching device. The wireless communicationcircuit could be a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a cellularreceiver for a cellular telephone network, or a receiver for some otherwireless network. A GPS receiver is commonly available from SiRFTechnology, Inc, for example, while a cellular receiver could beimplemented in an integrated circuit chip or module, such as a chip ormodule available from u-blox Holding AG of Thalwil, Switzerland.Therefore, actuators for entering time, date and location information inthe various implementations of programming interfaces could beeliminated with the use of a wireless communication circuit 248, whichmay be a receiver or a transceiver having both a receiver and atransmitter. While the wireless communication circuit 248 for receivingcommunication signals from a remote network such as a GPS network or acellular network is shown as a part of the control module 104, thewireless communication circuit 248 could be implemented as a part of theswitching module 102. An oscillator 244 or some other device for keepinga time for the device may be coupled to the control circuit, where acurrent time or other data may be displayed on a display 246. Whileseparate oscillators are shown in the switching module 102 and thecontrol module 104, it should be understood that a single oscillatorcould be implemented, and an oscillating signal or other signal basedupon the oscillating signal could be shared between the switching module102 and the control module 104.

The control circuit 104 may also comprise a wireless communicationcircuit 252 having an antenna 254 enabling the communication of signalswith a corresponding wireless communication circuit 226 (having anantenna 260) of the switching module by way of a wireless communicationlink 256. An example of a wireless communication circuit that could beimplemented for wireless communication circuits 226 and 252 is shown byway of example in FIG. 3 . While both a physical connection fortransferring signals and/or power is provided by way of thecommunication link 228 and a wireless communication link 256 is providedby way of the corresponding wireless communication circuits 226 and 252,it should be understood that one or both of the communication linkscould implemented.

Turning now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram of a wireless communicationmodule of the modular power adapter of FIG. 2 is shown. In particular,the antenna 304 receives wireless communication signals according to apredetermined wireless communication protocol. The data, which mayinclude programming data and operational information, may be sent fromthe control module to the switching module. According to otherimplementations, data may be sent from the switching module to thecontrol module. For example, power usage data associated with a devicecontrolled by the switching module may be transferred to the controlmodule. Other data, such as pairing commands and information, statusinformation, or information, is received from a remote server as will bedescribed in more detail in reference to FIG. 21 . The received data iscoupled to a combined mixer/voltage controlled oscillator 306, theoutput of which is coupled to an intermediate frequency (IF) circuit308. Based upon outputs of the IF circuit and a phase locked loop (PLL)310, a mixer 312 generates the received data. An analog-to-digitalconverter (ADC) 314 then generates digital data representing the datareceived by one of the control module or the switching module.

A control circuit of the switching module 102 or the control module 104may also provide data for transmission to the other of the switchingmodule 102 or control module 104. Data to be transmitted from thewireless communication circuit is coupled to a digital-to-analogconverter (DAC) 316, the output of which is coupled to a modulator 318which is also coupled to a PLL 320. A power amplifier 322 receives theoutput of the modulator to drive the antenna 304 and transmit the data.According to one embodiment, the data transceiver of FIG. 3 couldimplement the IEEE Specification 802.11 (WiFi) wireless communicationstandard, any Bluetooth standard, an infrared protocol, a Near FieldCommunication (NFC) standard, or any other wireless data protocol. Whilethe circuit of FIG. 3 is provided by way of example, other wireless datatransceivers could be employed according to the present invention toimplement the desired wireless communication standard.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , a block diagram of an expanded view of elementsof an in-wall modular power adapter that is adapted to be installed in ajunction box and to receive a wall plate is shown. According to theimplementation of FIG. 4 , a junction box 402 is coupled to conduit 404having wires 406 that may be used to provide power to the modular poweradapter by way of a terminal portion 408 of the wires that extend into arecess 410 adapted to receive the modular power adapter. Flanges 412 and414 receive a screw or other attachment element by way of a threadedportion 416 to enable attaching corresponding flanges of the modularpower adapter to the flanges 412 and 414.

The switching module 102 comprises a front surface 424 that defines arecessed portion 426 extending from the front surface to a back wall427. The switching module 102 may also comprise a flange recess 428 atthe bottom of the recessed portion behind the front surface 424. As willbe described in more detail below, the flange recess 428 is adapted toreceive a corresponding flange of a control module 104. The switchingportion may also comprise an attachment element 430 adapted to becoupled to a corresponding attachment element of the control module. Theswitching module may also comprise a flanges 432 having a threadedportion 434 for receiving a screw to secure a wall plate to the modularpower adapter and a hole 436 for receiving a screw that can be insertedinto the threaded portion 416 and can be used to secure the switchingmodule 102 to the junction box 402.

User interface elements and other elements enable a user to implementthe switching module with a control module within the recess 426, suchas a back wall of the recess for example (or on another surfaceaccessible by a user in an implementation not having a recess). Forexample, a communication port 438, which may comprise a connector or aplurality of contact elements for example, may be implemented. Thecontact elements may be contact pads adapted to be in electrical contactwith contact elements of the control module, where the contact elementsmay be spring loaded contacts such as pogo-pins, or other flexible orspring loaded contacts that extend from a back surface of the controlmodule and align with and make electrical contact with the contact padsof the switching module. Alternatively, contact pads can be implementedon the control module and the corresponding contacts can be implementedon the back of the recess of the switching module. While the contactelements are indicated as being on the back surface of the switchingmodule and the control module, it should be understood that the contactscan be placed on other surfaces, such as a side of the switching moduleand a side of the control module.

The switching module may also comprise a control button 440, which mayfunction as a reset button or a pairing button for enabling the pairingof the control module with the switching module. The control button maybe used to reset the switching module, enabling the switching module toreceive new data associated with a control module, and therefore toenable the switching module and the control module to communicate andcontrol a device receiving power from the switching module. The controlbutton 440 could also enable a pairing function to pair an authorizedcontrol module to communicate with the switching module. That is, apairing function can be implemented, wherein a control button on each ofthe switching module and the control module can be selected to enablethe transfer of information between the control module and the switchingmodule. It may be necessary to charge the control module by coupling thecontrol module to the switching module to enable the control module toperform a reset operation of the control switch and to enable a pairingof the control module with the switching module.

The pairing operation is beneficial to ensure that only an authorizedcontrol module is implemented to prevent for example unauthorizedcontrol of a control module which may have a wireless control feature.For example, the control of the device receiving power from theswitching module may be compromised, and unauthorized use of a deviceunder the control of the switching module may occur. Further, theswitching module and the control module may communicate to enable theproper operation of a load controlled by the switching module. Forexample, a control circuit of the switching module may detect the typeof device controlled by the switching module, such as the type of lightbulb (e.g. halogen, LED, or CFL), or the number of watts that the bulbor other device draws, and therefore enables the control circuit of thecontrol module to provide different control signals to the switchingmodule to control the amount of power applied to the light bulb (such asa dimmable light bulb). That is, in addition to an implementation wherethe switching module acts as a passive device, and only receives controlsignals from a control circuit of the control device, the switchingmodule and the control module could implement a bidirectionalcommunication link according to another implementation to enable thecontrol module to understand information received by the switchingmodule and better control the device controlled by the switching module.Alternatively, the control module can detect the type or qualities ofthe light bulb by way of the communication ports of the switching moduleand the control module.

A wireless communication module 442 (shown in dashed to indicate that itmay be behind the back wall 427 of the recess) may also be implementedin the switching module. The wireless communication module 442 could befor example the wireless communication module 226 of FIG. 2 for example.A memory port 444, which may be a USB port or a port for receivinganother type of memory card, such as an SD card, may be implemented onthe switching module, and may receive any type of information, such asoperational information, timing patterns for turning the devicecontrolled by the power adaptor on or off, or other data that isbeneficial in implementing the operation of the control module. A timingpattern may include for example on and off times for a timing feature ofthe modular power adapter. While the USB port is shown on the switchingmodule, it should be understood that a USB port could instead beimplemented on the control module, or implemented on the control modulein addition to a USB port on the switching module. Wires 446 forreceiving ground and power signals providing current to a load alsoextend from the switching module. While wires are shown, contactelements adapted to receive wires in a junction box such as a screw forsecuring a wire to the switching module, could also be implemented.

The control module 104 comprises a rear portion 450 that is insertedinto the recess 426 and a flange 452 that abuts the front surface 424. Afront surface of the flange 452 provides a surface to abut a perimeteredge 460 of an opening 462 of a wall plate 459, enabling a controlinterface 454, which may be a user interface according to theimplementations of FIGS. 9-13 , to extend through an opening 462 of thewall plate. The control module 104 also comprises a flange 456 accordingto the implementation of FIG. 4 , enabling the control module to beattached to the switching module using a “ski-boot” arrangement, wherethe flange is inserted into the corresponding flange recess 428 and anattachment element 458 is attached to the attachment element 430. Thecommunication port of the control module aligns with the communicationport of the switching module to enable the communication of at least oneof control signals and power between the switching module and thecontrol module. The wall plate 459 can be attached to the mobileswitching device using holes 464, where the holes receive screws thatcan be inserted into threaded portions 434 of the flanges 432.

The dimensions of the various elements of modular power adapter areselected to enable the modular power adapter to be attached to ajunction box, such as a conventional residential junction box.Therefore, the width w_(s) of the switching module may be selected to beless than the width of a conventional residential junction box, and theheight h_(s) may be selected to be less than the height of aconventional residential junction box. A depth w_(d) of the recess 426is also selected to ensure that, when the control module is attached tothe switching module, the contact elements of the communication portsprovide an adequate electrical connection to enable the transfer of datasignals and/or power signals. That is, when the flange 452 of thecontrol module abuts the front surface 424 of the switching module, thecontact elements of the communication ports ensure that adequatepressure between contacts and contact pads will enable an electricalconnection. Also, the dimensions of back portion 450 of the controlmodule has a width w_(c) and a height h_(c) that are just slightly lessthat the width w_(s) and the height h_(s) to ensure that the controlmodule fits into and aligns with the switching module. The dimensions ofa front portion 454 are also selected to extend through opening 462 in awall plate, and ensure that the edges of the opening of the wall plateabut the flange of the control module. A flange 456 of the controlmodule is adapted to be inserted into the flange recess 428 of theswitching module. The connector element 458 is adapted to be secured toa corresponding connector element 430 of the switching module 102. Theedges 460 define opening 462. Because the height h_(p) and the widthw_(p) of the opening 462 are slightly greater that the height h_(c)′ andthe width w_(c)′ of the front portion 454′, the front portion 454 canextend through the opening 462, where the edges 460 of the recess 462will abut the flange 452. Outer edges 459 and 460 of the wall plateextend beyond the perimeter of the junction box to cover the junctionbox.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , a block diagram of another in-wall modular poweradapter is shown. According to the implementation of FIG. 5 , thecontrol module is attached to the switching module such that the sidesof the two modules are generally aligned, where a front portion of thecontrol module is adapted to fit through the recess of the wall plateand a back portion of the control module acts as a flange that abuts theedges of the opening of the wall plate. More particularly, the switchingmodule of FIG. 5 generally comprises a planar front surface that abuts acorresponding planar back surface of the control module. Elements mayprotrude from a planar surface of the switching module or the controlmodule, or may be recessed within a planar surface, such as a connectorprotruding from or being recessed in a planar surface. By way ofexample, the connector element 438 or the memory port 444 may protrudefrom or be recessed in the planar surface 502, while the control button440 may be flush with the planar surface 502. Attachment elements 504and 506 may be adapted to couple with corresponding connector elements507, which may be located at the top and bottom of the control modulefor example. The sides of a back portion 508 of the control module mayalign with sides of the switching module, where a surface 510 adjacentto a front portion 512 acts as a flange for the wall plate. According toone implementation, the attached elements 504 and 506 can be integratedin the planar surface 502 or can be integrated in the flanges 432.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , a block diagram of another in-wall modular poweradapter having a metal plate comprising flanges for attaching thein-wall modular power adapter to a junction box is shown. According tothe implementation of FIG. 6 , a plate 602, which may be a metal platefor example, can be attached to the switching module 102 and comprisesconnector elements to allow the control module 104 to be attached to theplate, and therefore interface with the switching module. By way ofexample, the switching module may comprise threaded portions 604-608adapted to receive screws that would extend through corresponding holes616-622 to enable the plate to be attached to the switching module. Theplate also comprises an opening 623 enabling a front portion of thecontrol module to extend through the opening 623. The plate 602 alsocomprises flanges extending from the top and bottom to enable attachingthe modular power adapter to a junction box. A first flange 624comprises a hole 626 for receiving a screw to be screwed into a threadedportion of the junction box. The flange also comprises a receptacle 628,such as a threaded portion, for a screw to enable attaching a wall plateto the modular power adapter. The plate may also comprise an attachmentelement 630 adapted to receive a corresponding attachment element of thecontrol module. A second flange 632 extending from the bottom of theplate comprises an attachment element 638. The control module comprisesa back portion 640 extending to a flange 642 that defines a frontportion 644. A front surface 646 may comprise a user interface that isaccessible to a user through the opening 623. An attachment element 648that is adapted to couple with attachment element 630 is provided on thecontrol module, such as on the back portion of the control module asshown. An example of an attachment element comprising correspondingattachment elements of the switching module and the control module isshown and described in reference to FIG. 7 .

Turning now to FIG. 7 , a block diagram of an exemplary attachmentelement enabling the attachment of a control module to a portion of theswitching module is shown. The rear portion 640 comprises a latchingelement 702 having a lever portion 704 and a pivot element 706 thatenables a latching portion 708 having a beveled edge 710 to secure thecontrol module to the flange 624. More particularly, the attachmentelement 630 of the flange 624 comprises a receiving element 712 and aflange 714 adapted to receive the beveled edge 710. While the attachmentelements of the flange and control module of FIG. 7 provide one exampleof a means for attaching the control module to a portion of theswitching module or flange, it should be understood that the controlmodule could be attached to some other portion of the modular poweradapter.

Turning now to FIG. 8 , a plan view of the rear of a control module isshown. More particularly, contact elements 802 that may be coupled to orin electrical contact with the corresponding contact elements 438 of theswitching module are shown on a back surface of the control module. Acontrol button 804, which may be a pairing button for example, is alsoimplemented. As described above in reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 , thecontact elements 802 may be contacts extending from the back surface, orcontact pads that may be flush with the back surface or recessed.

Turning now to FIGS. 9-13 , exemplary user interface portions of acontrol module are shown. While examples of user interfaces areprovided, it should be understood that the user interfaces could includeany type of user interface element enabling the operation or control ofa power adapter, including the application of power to a devicecontrolled by the power adaptor. Turning first to FIG. 9 , a plan viewof the front of a control module having a paddle-type toggle switch isshown. That is, a movable element 902 enables changing the state of adevice controlled by the control module. The movable element 902 may bemovable between a first position for an on state and a second positionfor an off state. That is, when in the on state, the top portion of themovable element may by flush with the wall plate. Similarly, in the offstate, the bottom portion of the movable element may be flush with thewall plate. That is, a user could determine the state of the switchbased upon a position of the paddle-type toggle switch. Alternatively,after a user selects either the top or the bottom of the paddle-typetoggle switch, it would return to a normal resting position which doesnot indicate a state of the device, but rather where the switch is usedfor changing the state of the device.

Turning now to FIG. 10 , a plan view of the front of a control modulehaving a push-button toggle switch is shown. As shown in FIG. 10 , thestate of a device controlled by the switch can be changed by a button1002, which may include a status indicator 1004, such as an LED forexample. Alternatively, the button 1002 may be movable between adepressed state, where the switch will be pressed in when the switch isturned on, and a state where the button is flush with the front of thecontrol module when the switch is turned off. In addition to indicatingwhether a light for example is on, the status indicator may alsoindicate whether a bulb is out; such as by flashing.

Turning now to FIG. 11 , a plan view of the front of a control modulehaving a push-button toggle switch and a sensor is shown. In addition tothe switch 1002, a sensor 1102 can be implemented on the front portionof the control element. By way of example, a motion detector or anambient light detector could be implemented on the front panel toautomatically change the state of the switch based upon the detection ofmotion or the detection of a state of the light at the switch. It shouldbe understood that the switch 1002 and the sensor 1102 could beimplemented with timing functions of a programmable timer (i.e. acontrol circuit implementing a timing pattern for the power adapter).

Turning now to FIG. 12 , a plan view of the front of a control modulehaving a push-button toggle switch and a display is shown. As shown inFIG. 12 , a display 1202 may be implemented on the front surface of thecontrol module. While a sensor is not shown in the implementation ofFIG. 12 , it should be understood that a sensor, such as the sensor ofFIG. 12 , could be implemented with the implementation of FIG. 12 .

Turning now to FIG. 13 , a plan view of the front of a control modulehaving a plurality of pre-programmed or programmable buttons is shown.As shown in the implementation of FIG. 13 , a plurality of buttons couldbe implemented on the front surface of the control module. The controlmodule 104 may comprise a display 1302 having a time portion 1304, wherethe time portion of the display may indicate the current time or a timethat is being programmed for example. The display may also include anAM/PM indicator 1308, and on/off indicator 1310, a date indicator 1312and a location indicator 1314.

It should be noted that the control device could be programmed using auser interface, such as the user interface shown in FIG. 13 . The userinterface of the control device of FIG. 13 includes programmable buttonsand pre-programmed buttons. More particularly, a programming portion1324 of the user interface comprises a first programming button 1326,which could be used for cursoring up while programming or turning on alight or other device controlled by the control module 104 (when not ina programming mode), and a second programming button 1328, which couldbe used for cursoring down during a programming operation or turning offthe light or other device controlled by the control device (when not ina programming mode). While the first programming button 1326 and thesecond programming button 1328 are shown as multifunction buttons forprogramming and controlling the device, it should be understood that oneor more buttons having on and off functionality could be implementedseparate from the first and second programming buttons.

A timer control portion 1330 comprises a first programmable button 1332,which may be programmed with an on time for a timing pattern, and asecond programmable button 1334, which may be programmed with an offtime for the timing pattern. The on time associated with the firstprogrammable button 1332 may be programmed using the first programmingbutton 1326 and the second programming button 1328 to cursor up andcursor down to reach the correct time that a user desires to turn on adevice controlled by the control module 104. Similarly, the off timeassociated with the second programmable button 1334 may be programmedusing the first programming button 1326 and the second programmingbutton 1328 to cursor up and cursor down to reach the correct time thata user desires to turn off a device controlled by the control module104. While the first programming button 1326 and the second programmingbutton 1328 are shown as having only an on time and an off timerespectively, where the buttons may be used together (i.e. when one ofthe buttons is selected, both will be selected), each of the firstprogramming button 1326 and the second programming button 1328 could beprogrammable to have both an on time and an off time.

The pre-programmed buttons comprise buttons, that when selected, willimplement switching data associated with a pre-programmed switchingpattern. By way of example, an “Evening” button 1336 could be selectedto turn on the lights between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM or between dusk and11:00 PM for example. A “Morning” button 1338 could have pre-programmedon and off times associated with hours that a user may desire to havelights on during the morning, such as between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM forexample. An “All Night” button 1340 could, when selected, turn on thelights at some time during the evening, such as a fixed time of 5:00 PMor a variable time such as dusk, and could turn the lights off at sometime in the morning, such as 8:00 AM or a variable time such as dawn. Acountdown function could also be implemented, where a device controlledby the timer may be on for predetermined intervals based upon the numberof times the countdown button 1342 is selected. An indicator 1344, suchas an LED, could be implemented to indicate when a certainpre-programmed button has been selected. The countdown function couldalso be accomplished using cursor buttons for scrolling up or down toselect a countdown time.

A reset button, 1344, which may be a recessed button for example,enables resetting the timer to a default state. It should also be notedthat while a pre-programmed button has a particular default setting foron and off times when a user acquires the timer, the pre-programmedbuttons may be reprogrammed by a user to have different on and offtimes. For example, a user may decide that preferred times for anevening setting may be between 5:00 PM and midnight, where the usercould reprogram the button to go on at 5:00 PM and off at midnightrather than 11:00 PM. Although different user interface features areshown by way of example, it should be understood that features ofdifferent embodiments can be combined to include a variety of differentfeatures.

Turning now to FIG. 14 , an expanded view of a modular power adapterhaving a display on the switching module is shown. According to theimplementation of FIG. 14 , a display 1402 is provided on the switchingmodule, where the control module comprises control circuits forcontrolling the operation of the switching module and any user interfaceelements that may be present on the front of the control module. Arecess 1404 may be provided behind the front surface and below thedisplay to receive a flange 1406, where an attachment element 1408 canbe coupled to a corresponding attachment element 1410 on the switchingmodule. That is, because of the location of the display, it may bebeneficial to attach the control module at the bottom of the switchingmodule. The rear portion 1412 will then be positioned within the recess1414. The front portion 1416 is configured to extend through an openingin the wall plate. Contact elements 1418 on the back of the rear portion1412, shown here in a dashed box, are positioned to make contact withcorresponding contacts 438.

Turning now to FIG. 15 , an expanded view of a plug-in type modularpower adapter having a cover for a control module is shown. The plug-intype modular power adapter of FIG. 15 comprises a switching portion 1502that is similar to the switching portion of an in-wall modular poweradapter, except that the wires or contact screws that are used to wirethe in-wall adapter are replaced with a plug and a receptacle by way ofexample. The power adapter of FIG. 15 also comprises a control portion1504 that is adapted to attach to the switching module and a cover 1506as shown that is adapted to cover the control portion 1504. Theswitching module comprises prongs 1508 of a plug to be inserted into awall outlet, and a receptacle 1510 for receiving a plug of a devicecontrolled by the power adapter.

A recessed portion 1512 is adapted to receive the control module 1504. Acommunication circuit 1518 may be located behind a rear wall 1519 of therecessed portion 1512, which may also comprise contacts 1520 that areadapted to align with corresponding contacts of the control module. Arecess 1522 may be adapted to receive a corresponding flange 1524, wherean attachment element 1526 is positioned to align with a correspondingattachment element 1528 of the control module. Attachment elements 1530,1532, 1534, and 1536 are positioned to receive corresponding attachmentelements on the cover 1506, where attachment elements 1538 and 1540 ofthe cover 1506 are adapted to align with and attach to attachmentelements 1530 and 1532, respectively. The attachment elements on thecover 1506 may comprise flanges that are inserted into recesses of theattachment element of the switching module, where the sides of the covercan be squeezed toward the center to release the flanges and remove thecover.

Turning now to FIG. 16 , an expanded view of a plug-in type modularpower adapter having a control module attached to a switching module isshown. According to the implementation of FIG. 16 , the control module1602 also functions as the cover, where attachment elements 1604 and1606 are adapted to be received by attachment elements 1530 and 1532.Attachment elements that are similar to attachment elements 1604 and1606 are provided on the opposite side of the control module 1602 toattach to attachment elements 1534 and 1536. User interface elements maybe implemented on the control module 1602, such as on a front surface1608. The control module and user interface elements could beimplemented as described above with respect to the in-wall poweradaptor.

Turning now to FIGS. 17-20 , various implementations of a modular poweradapter for in-wall applications includes a wall plate having controlcircuitry, such as a control module. Turning first to 17, a plan view ofa junction box 1701 having a switching module 1702 adapted to interfacewith a control module of a wall plate is shown. As shown in FIG. 17 , aswitching module 1702 comprises flanges for attaching the switchingmodule to the junction box, such as a first flange 1706 having a recess1708 for receiving a screw to attach the switching module to thejunction box and a threaded portion 1709 for receiving a screw forattaching a wall plate to the switching module, and a second flange 1710having a recess 1711 for receiving a screw to attach the switchingmodule to the junction box and a threaded portion 1712 for receiving ascrew for attaching a wall plate to the switching module. A switchingelement 1714, shown here as a paddle-type toggle switch, enableschanging the state of the device controlled by the switching module1702. As will be described in more detail in reference to FIGS. 18-20 ,an edge of an opening of a wall plate having control circuitry overlapswith a portion of the control module, and may extend up to an overlapregion shown by the dashed line 1715. Contact elements 1716, which areshown beyond (i.e. outside of) the dashed line 1716, and therefore wouldbe under the wall plate when the wall plate is attached to the switchingmodule. The contact elements 1716 are positioned to align withcorresponding contact elements of a control module of the wall plate,which will be described in reference to FIG. 18 .

Turning now to FIG. 18 , a front plan view of a wall plate having acontrol module is shown. A wall plate 1802 comprises an opening 1804that enables a switching element 1714 to extend through the wall plate,where an edge 1806 would extend to approximately the dashed line 1715 tocover the edges of the switching module. A control module 1808, shown indashed lines to indicate that it is on a rear surface of the wall plate,includes contact elements 1810 to align with and electrically couple tocorresponding contact elements 1716. Screw holes 1812 enable screws tobe used to attach the wall plate to the switching module. As shown inFIG. 19 , which provides a rear plan view of the wall plate of FIG. 18 ,attachment elements 1902 enable the control module 1808 to be removablyattached to the wall plate. That is, the attachment elements 1902 wouldenable the control module 1808 to be switched out with a differentcontrol module to provide flexibility in the operation of the switchingmodule. For example, a control module having a different wirelesscommunication protocol could be attached to the wall plate, making iteasy to change the functionality of the switching module without havingto remove the switching module, which can costly and time consuming inthe case of an in-wall power adapter.

Turning now to FIG. 20 , a rear plan view of a wall plate having twoopenings and two control modules is shown. According to theimplementation of FIG. 20 , a first control module 2002 may beassociated with a first opening 2004 of the dual-wall plate opening,while a second control module 2006 may be associated with a secondopening 2008. While two openings are shown, it should be understood thatany number of openings can be implemented.

Turning now to FIG. 21 , a block diagram of a system 2100 having aplurality of power adapters implementing different communicationprotocols is shown. According to the implementation of FIG. 21 , asingle central controller 2102 can provide multimodal control ofdifferent control devices or different sets of control devices, such asthe modular power adapters or other timers or lighting control devices.The control devices could be power adapters or other suitable controldevices that could be coupled to control a device or integrated in thedevice to control the device. The single controller 2102 could be forexample a smart phone, a tablet computer or any other computer or deviceenabling a wireless connection to multiple control modules by way ofdifferent wireless protocols. For example, the controller 2102 couldcommunicate with a first set 2104 of control devices, a second set 2106of control devices, and a third set of control devices 2108. The firstset of control devices may include an outdoor light 2110, an indoorlight 2112, and a water heater 2114 that are controlled by way of afirst wireless connection 2116. As shown in FIG. 21 , the centralcontroller 2102 is directly in communication with devices of the firstset of devices using a short range communication protocol. That is,there is no intervening control element, such as a base station orwireless hub, that receives control signals from the central controllerand provides control signals to the control devices. By way of example,a first set of devices could communicate with central controller by wayof a Bluetooth connection, where the devices could be implemented in aBluetooth mesh network, or a near field communication (NFC) link. Theshort range communication protocol may be accessible at a distance ofapproximately 100 feet for example. The devices of a first set could beimplemented in different locations, and could include for example anindoor device, an outdoor device, a device controlling a specificdevice, such as a water heater or an under-cabinet lighting fixture. Thefirst set of control devices could be associated devices that a userdoes not wish to access remotely, or a device about which the user mayhave security concerns and may not want to have controlled by a lowersecurity protocol, such as a IEEE 802.11 communication protocol, alsoknown as WiFi. The first communication protocol may therefore be a localcommunication protocol, and more particularly a direct localcommunication protocol.

The second set 2106 of control devices may be controlled by way of asecond connection, which may be for example a network. The second set ofdevices 2106 could include devices that are controlled by the controllerusing a local area network, including a base station or wireless hubthat communicates with a plurality of devices. By way of example, thelocal area network (LAN) could be a WiFi network including a WiFi base2118 enabling communication links 2120 and 2121. The local area networkcould also be accessible by a wide area network such as a cellularnetwork to enable remote access to devices. The WiFi network could beany network implementing any IEEE 802.11 standard for example. Thesecond set of appliances controlled by the devices could include thetypes of devices that a user may desire to access from a remotelocation, such as an indoor light 2122, a curling iron 2124, a coffeemachine 2126, a particular lamp, or a wireless-controlled door lock2128. That is, these devices may be devices that a user may wish tocheck to make sure that they have been turned off, or the types ofdevices that a user may wish to turn on while they are away.

The third set of devices 2108 could be controlled by another wirelessbase 2130 enabling communication links 2132 and 2134 to control otherspecialty devices such as pool controls or specialty lighting. Accordingto the example of FIG. 21 , an outdoor light 2136, and indoor light2138, and a pool heater 2140 could be controlled by the wireless base2130. The wireless base 2130 could be a Z-Wave or a ZigBee controllerfor example. Therefore, a short range communication link or a WiFiconnection of system 2100 could be integrated with an existing systememployed by the user, such as a Z-Wave or ZigBee system for example.

One beneficial aspect of the system is that a single controller cancontrol a plurality of devices using a plurality of differentconnections implementing different wireless communication protocols andhaving different capabilities. The controller can also access a server2142 by way of one of the elements of the system, such as the WiFi base2118. The server may receive information from or provide information tothe server 2142. For example, the server may receive information fromthe central controller related to the state or operation of variousdevices on the system 2100, or may provide information or data enablingthe operation of the devices on the system 2100. For example, theinformation can be related to analysis of the devices implemented on thesystem, or could be information of interest to a user, such as news orweather, which could be displayed on a device of the system. Byimplementing a variety of different communication protocols, it ispossible to implement the different devices with the most suitablecommunication protocol from a single controller. For example, while aWiFi enables remote access, it may also be more susceptible to hackingor other security issues. However, a Bluetooth or NFC connection,because of its short-range nature, may have fewer hacking or securityissues, but is generally not remotely accessible.

Turning now to FIG. 22 , a flow chart shows a method of implementing amodular power adapter. A control module is removably coupled to aswitching module at a block 2202, wherein the control module has a setof electrical contacts and the switching module has a correspondingsecond set of electrical contacts. Control signals are generated by wayof the first set of electrical contacts of the control module at a block2204. The control signals are received at a switching module by way ofthe second set of electrical contacts at a block 2206. Power isselectively applied to a device based upon the control signals when thecontrol module is attached to the switching module at a block 2208.

The method may further comprise receiving electrical power at aplurality of contact elements, wherein the contact elements may compriseprongs adapted to be inserted into an electrical outlet. The powerswitch may further comprise a receptacle for receiving a plug of thedevice controlled by the power switch. The method may further comprisechanging the state of the device controlled by the power adapter inresponse to a switching element for manually controlling the operationof the power switch. The method may also enable a manual programming ofthe power switch on a user interface, and displaying information on adisplay of the control module.

Turning now to FIG. 23 , a flow chart shows a method of controllingpower adapters using a plurality of different communication interfaces.A plurality of wireless communication protocols are implemented using acentral controller at a block 2302. A first device communicates, by wayof the central controller, using a first wireless communication protocolof the plurality of wireless communication protocols at a block 2304. Asecond device communicates, by way of the central controller, using asecond wireless communication protocol of the plurality of wirelesscommunication protocols at a clock 2306.

Turning now to FIGS. 24-26 , a map showing latitude and longitude lineswhich could be used to divide a geographical region, shown here by wayof example as the United States. It should be noted that the latitudeand longitude lines are shown by way of example, and are not intended tonecessarily show accurate latitude and longitude lines. Also, while 24regions of the lower 48 states of the United States are created bylatitude and longitude lines as shown, it should be understood that anynumber of regions could be created by greater or fewer latitude andlongitude lines. The selected longitudinal and latitudinal lines neednot be separated by the same number of degrees (e.g. 5 degrees) as shownin FIG. 24 , but may be separated by different numbers of degrees. Also,the lines need not be continuous on the same horizontal or vertical. Forexample, the three vertical lines within the boundary of the lower 48states could correspond to the time zone lines that create the 4 timezone regions, Pacific, Mountain, Central and Eastern. It should be notedthat certain geographical regions within the United States applydifferent rules related to the changing of times during daylight savingsand standard time. As a result, separate tables providing dusk and dawndata may be used for daylight savings time and standard time. It shouldbe noted that the dusk and dawn data could be updated over time toaccount for changes in daylight savings time rules by reprogramming acontrol device or a remote switching device. The devices could bereprogrammed by downloading new data by way of a data port, such as aUSB port as described above, or via cellular communication to a cellularreceiver on the control device or a remote switching device.

As shown in FIG. 25 , a table having combinations of latitude andlongitude ranges is provided to enable a power switch to access anappropriate table having dusk and dawn times to be applied withimplementing a timing pattern as described above. For a power switchhaving a GPS receiver or some other receiver that is capable ofreceiving location information, such as latitude and longitude valuesassociated with the location of the power switch, the received latitudeor longitude values are used to determine a region in which the powerswitch is located, and therefore enable selecting a table associatedwith the region for applying appropriate dusk and dawn times. An exampleof a table associated with a region will be described in more detail inreference to FIG. 26 . While a reference to a table is provided by wayof example, it should be understood that a reference to equations orother algorithms for calculating dusk and dawn times could be provided.That is, based upon time and date, a dawn and dusk time could becalculated for a given region.

As shown in FIG. 26 , an example of a table having a plurality of dateranges and corresponding dusk and dawn times that would be applied for atiming pattern implemented by a power switch, such as any of the powerswitches described above, is shown. FIG. 26 shows an example of onetable, where a separate table would be implemented for each region andwould have dusk (DUSK1-DUSKN) and dawn (DAWN1-DAWNN) times associatedwith date ranges for that region. The dusk and dawn times could be basedupon averages for the region, or could be weighted to be optimized forthe most populous area of the region.

According to the example regions of FIG. 24 , 24 tables could be storedin a memory of the device and would be available to be accessed by adevice, such as a control device or a remote switching device, in anyone of the 24 regions, where a power switch in region A2 would accessTable A2 to implement dusk and dawn times in a timing pattern. Accordingto the example table of FIG. 26 , a plurality of date ranges extendingfrom 1 to N, where N can be any number up to 365. That is, N could beselected to provide a date range for a predetermined number of days. Forexample, N could be 12, where dusk and dawn times would change 12 timesduring the year, such as on the first of every month. N could beselected to be 52, where dusk and dawn times would change 52 times ayear, such as every Sunday. N could even be selected to be 365, wherethe dusk and dawn times would change every day. For the N date ranges,the number of dates of each date range need not have the same number ofdays. For example, there may be some periods of time of the year duringwhich the dusk and dawn times change less rapidly. During those times,the date range could be longer. In contrast, at certain times such asduring fall and spring, the dusk and dawn times may change at a greaterrate each day or week. During these times, it may be beneficial to havefewer days associated with a date range.

It can therefore be appreciated that new circuits for, systems for andmethods of implementing a module power adapter have been described. Itwill be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerousalternatives and equivalents will be seen to exist that incorporate thedisclosed invention. As a result, the invention is not to be limited bythe foregoing embodiments, but only by the following claims.

I claim:
 1. An in-wall power adapter configured to apply power to adevice, the in-wall power adapter comprising: a switching module coupledto receive a power signal and having a recess comprising a first set ofcontacts for receiving control signals, wherein the switching modulecomprises a switch for selectively applying the power signal to a devicebased upon the control signals; and a control module removably coupledto the switching module and having a second set of contacts coupled tothe first set of contacts of the switching module when the controlmodule is attached to the switching module, wherein the control moduleprovides control signals to the switching module by way of the first setof contacts and the second set of contacts; wherein the switching modulecomprises a user interface element having a control button; and whereinthe control signals control an application of the power signal to adevice when the control module is inserted into the recess of theswitching module.
 2. The in-wall power adapter of claim 1 wherein theswitching module of the in-wall power adapter comprises a third set ofcontacts for receiving the power signal.
 3. The in-wall power adapter ofclaim 1 wherein the user interface element of the switching module is ona first surface of the switching module, and the recess is formed in thefirst surface of the switching module.
 4. The in-wall power adapter ofclaim 1 wherein the control button of the switching module enablescontrolling a device receiving the power signal from the switchingmodule.
 5. The in-wall power adapter of claim 1 wherein the controlmodule comprises a wireless communication circuit and provides thecontrol signals to the switching module to enable a switching operationof the in-wall power adapter.
 6. The in-wall power adapter of claim 5wherein the wireless communication circuit is adapted to receive atiming pattern from a remote device, wherein the timing pattern controlsan application of the power signal to the device.
 7. The in-wall poweradapter of claim 1 wherein the control module provides identificationdata associated with the control module to the switching module.
 8. Anin-wall power adapter configured to apply power to a device, the in-wallpower adapter comprising: a switching module coupled to receive a powersignal and having a recess comprising a first set of contacts forreceiving control signals, wherein the switching module comprises aswitch for selectively applying the power signal to a device based uponthe control signals; and a control module removably coupled to theswitching module and having a second set of contacts coupled to thefirst set of contacts of the switching module when the control module isattached to the switching module, wherein the control module providescontrol signals to the switching module by way of the first set ofcontacts and the second set of contacts; wherein the switching modulecomprises a user interface element; and wherein the control modulecomprises a wireless communication circuit and provides the controlsignals to the switching module to enable a switching operation of theswitch of the switching module.
 9. The in-wall power adapter of claim 8wherein the user interface element of the switching module is on a firstsurface of the switching module, and the recess is formed in the firstsurface of the switching module.
 10. The in-wall power adapter of claim8 wherein the user interface element of the switching module comprises acontrol button.
 11. The in-wall power adapter of claim 8 wherein thecontrol module comprises a control button for controlling a devicereceiving the power signal from the switching module.
 12. The in-wallpower adapter of claim 8 wherein the wireless communication circuit isadapted to receive a timing pattern from a remote device, wherein thetiming pattern controls the application of the power signal to thedevice.
 13. The in-wall power adapter of claim 8 wherein the controlmodule is paired to the switching module to enable communication betweenthe control module and the switching module.
 14. The in-wall poweradapter of claim 8 wherein the control module provides identificationdata associated with the control module to the switching module.
 15. Amethod of implementing an in-wall power adapter configured to applypower to a device, the method comprising: removably coupling a controlmodule to a switching module, wherein the control module has a first setof electrical contacts, and the switching module has a second set ofelectrical contacts and a user interface element; receiving a powersignal by way of a contact element of the second set of electriccontacts, wherein the user interface element enables controlling adevice receiving the power signal from the switching module; generating,by way of the first set of electrical contacts of the control module,control signals; receiving the control signals at the switching moduleby way of the second set of electrical contacts; selectively applyingthe power signal to a device based upon the control signals received byway of the second set of electrical contacts; and receiving secondcontrol signals from the user interface element of the switching module.16. The method of claim 15 wherein the control module of the poweradapter comprises a control button, the method further comprisingenabling controlling the switching module receiving the power signalusing the control button.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the controlmodule is adapted to receive a timing pattern from a remote device forcontrolling an application of the power signal to the device by way ofthe switching module.
 18. The method of claim 15 further comprisingchanging the state of the device controlled by the in-wall power adapterin response to a control signal enabling controlling an application ofthe power signal to the device.
 19. The method of claim 15 furthercomprising enabling resetting the control module of the in-wall poweradapter using a button on the control module.
 20. The method of claim 15further comprising enabling pairing the control module and the switchingmodule to enable communication between the control module and theswitching module.